Spring, Sprang, Sprung

When I hear the word “spring,” I usually think of the season, but there are more definitions and variations of the word, such as a metal device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled, a natural flow of ground water, the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length, and a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards.

Spring, sprang and sprung can also be used as verbs such as:

“Can you spring over the fence?”

“Our plans began to spring”

“The tire sprang a leak”

“He sprang the news on me just as I was leaving”

“He got sprung from prison early”

Each year, even after a harsh winter, Mother Nature shows us little shoots of green plants popping through the earth and growing into tulips and daffodils with amazing displays of color. It’s a message to all of us to find the strength to spring through the ground of whatever covers us — fear, anxiety, stress, etc. — and grow to become better and stronger, and to show our true colors.

After the long year we’ve had, with so many new challenges, I think this spring brings a new hope for better days ahead.